Images in and around the ever changing area and culturally rich Chino-Latino neighborhood of Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

Friday, December 18, 2009

The Neighbor's Christmas Lights

Nothing says Christmas like decorative lights! Here are some homes that warm up the area on a typical crisp night.

Above image is a detail of the display below...

"Wow!" That’s all I could say. The photograph doesn’t do it justice. My cousin and I were taking bets… did they plan this all year? Or was it a weekend inspiration? Either way, these two brownstones finished off beautifully.

Shot on 50th street between 4th ave and 5th ave.

This is a detail of the house on 50th street.

Another cold and quite night on 4th ave. Shot between 46 and 47th street with a slow shutter. All of the colors are desaturated accept for the red.

This is a cute way to be greeted… The little drummer boy moves his arms to play the drum. I forgot what street this was on… I think it’s 47th?... between 4th and 5th.

Next door to this house was the palm tree house(below). I must admit, got a little home sick after walking passed.

This image reminds of a parranda, a tradition practiced in Puerto Rico. What is a "paranda"? Please read below. A quote from elboricua.com.

" The parranderos [equivalent to carolers in the U.S.] arrive at the destination and then very quietly gather by the front door. At a signal all start playing their instruments and singing. The parrandas usually begin after 10pm in order to surprise and wake the sleeping friend. The parranderos are invited in and refreshments, music and dance follow. Of course we don't surprise unsuspecting victims. The parranderos are given plenty of "hints" before hand by the homeowner that he is ready to receive a parranda. "

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I was born in Washington Heights. In the Late 80's mom and I moved to Georgia where I spent most of my formative years. I loved my southern experiences and hold them close to my heart, but still decided to move to Brooklyn, New York after college (Savannah Collage of Art and Design). I have been here ever since shooting and editing.

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What is Sunset Park Stills?

Sunset Park Stills is a photo blog. Mainly photographs of landmarks or happenings in the area. On occasion, if there is some extra information that I did not know or perhaps not widely known, I'll add it in.

Being a photographer myself, I naturally looked for images of the area in which I reside. Finding very few, I went on a personal photo journey and shot just about everything I saw in Sunset Park.

The neighborhood is harmoniously divided between eastern and western cultures. What I have found is that this part of Brooklyn, is fundamentally the same as any other town in the USA. We've got churches, parks, dancers, hipsters, artists, skaters, writers, and entrepreneurs. All of us working class trying to make our way in the world.

Hopefully, you have enjoyed looking at this micro neighborhood though my (and my neighbor's) eyes. Maybe it's just a place to some, for others like myself, it's a live documentation of Living the American Dream.